Midnight Toxicity

18

With a cheap duffel bag crammed with stolen makeup and clothing, I strutted across the tarmac of a private airfield. I wished I had told someone I had a fear of flying. Not that I've flown before. Where the hell would I go? Heights made me dizzy, and I figured hovering thousands of feet in the air would do the same thing. We would soon find out!

"Thanks for being punctual," Marie simpered, motioning for the male flight attendant to load our luggage onto the gray and silver jet. "You can tell time. Surprising."

Her designer suit screamed money, but her personality could use some work. She dressed immaculately, with no outward style except for business. She raked her dull brown eyes over the black sandals I still wore to the cutoff shorts and crop top which accentuated my tits while exposing my navel piercing.

My sickly-sweet smile caused her bony face to sour, like she smelled something bad. "Hey there, Marie. Meeting you in the sun without the sounds of men masturbating, I almost didn't recognize you."

She yanked an envelope out of a large portfolio case draped over her arm. "Lowbrow comments such as those won't get you far in life. Mr. Golding wrote you a letter. Read it out here and afterward we can eat a late lunch onboard... maybe."

I scoffed, accepting the paper. "What does that mean?"

She ignored me, boarding the small plane without looking back. I drew a deep breath, tearing open the thin envelope to learn what Golding took time out of his day to write. Perhaps I'll finally receive some answers to the many questions circling my brain.

Dearest Charlize,

I'm sure your stepfather did not explain how pivotal your acceptance is to my new ventures. He most likely does not appreciate the woman you've become, but only as the little girl that he has taken care of for all these years. Consent is essential. If you do not wish to participate in my endeavors, simply speak to Marie and she will make certain Derry understands the choice is yours. I won't tolerate anything less.

I have determined someone of your caliber can be useful in ways others would not. You are a special girl, Charlize. I see you doing great things.

A team of individuals is doing their part to help me turn our beloved Tucker City into a dignified community where gangs will not hold citizens hostage with their constant street wars. I have a plan, and the position I'm offering can bring you everything you've ever desired out of life.

Together, we are a family with one goal.

More information will become available to you as time progresses. Be patient.

The first step you must take is initiation. I assign recruits in pairs. I liken each pairing to matching socks. The man I've chosen for your match is Chace. He'll clarify further when and if you decide to join our cause.

Choose wisely, and with no regrets.

I hope that you will accept my proposal with so many exciting adventures ahead.

He didn't sign his name, and for some reason, that irked me. What type of person does he take me for? Oh, that's right, he sees me doing great things! Puh-lease. I've seen Dateline. All creepy cults start with some sad narcissist thinking pandering to people's egos will make them gooey for more.

Plus, what in the salty balls did he mean about turning Tucker City into a utopia? Half of its citizens wouldn't survive without the underground rackets. It's how they paid their rent and put food on the table. If I joined his secret club, was I taking a stand against criminal organizations? Kacen will love that!

Then there's some guy named Chace waiting on me to decide if I wanted to be Golding's little sock puppet. I'm only eighteen! At what age did he recruit his pet socks? My stomach revolted at the thought of Golding brainwashing kids to do his dirty work. Despite not eating since last night, chunks bolted up through my esophagus and painted a wide strip of yellow on the runway. Yikes, those corn chips were a terrible idea at three AM.

"Are you alright?" The same steward rushed down the steps to check on me. "Would you like some water?"

"Pre-airsickness," I lied, pacing several feet away from my vomit. "Thank you."

He gave me a reassuring smile, passing off a chilled bottle before returning to the plane. How embarrassing, but I had bigger issues on my mind. Did I stay or did I run? It was as plain as the cute nose on my face that Golding intended to take over Tucker City. Even if I somehow found a way to disappear, my friends and family would be in the crosshairs of the coming war.

I exhaled sharply, closing my eyes, hoping to lock down my crazy before joining Marie on the flying death trap. I had to. When I picture Jack, Ian — and hell, even Aria — facing Luca Romano if I failed my task, I can't imagine a world where they come out unscathed.

I let out a puff of laughter after realizing none of us were safe. Never have been and never will be. Whether or not I join Golding, their lives are here, and the ruling families will not stop gunning for the Alpha title.

Marie appeared in the small doorway with a glass of wine. "Well? What is your decision?"

"Are there going to be any more paper bombs?"

She smirked, "Actually, yes. If you agree to come with me."

"Where?" I didn't recognize my voice. It came out flat and defeated.

"You'll find out," she tapped her watch. "I have a schedule."

I walked onto the sleek jet, refusing to look back.

From now on, I had a role to play on a game board that I did not understand the rules of but watch me make these motherfuckers rue the day they underestimated a girl like me.

Andy Golding can try his best to mold me into whatever weapon he sees fit, and I will snitch to Kacen to protect those I love. I'll keep score of every touch and action I'm forced to endure. Eventually, I'll gain Golding's trust until I'm able to beat these assholes at their own schemes.

Time to reinvent myself. To become someone stronger. More coldhearted than ever before. Tougher than everyone gives me credit for.

You've got this, Char. Remember, nobody can predict the future, but they've forfeited theirs for pulling this fuckery.

I lifted my chin. "Let's get this shit show on the road."